Reclosable packages with barrier properties

ABSTRACT

A reclosable package includes a pair of opposing walls, a reclosable seal and a barrier partition. The pair of opposing wall panels are joined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridges the opposing sides to create a receptacle space having a mouth end opposite the bottom. The reclosable seal extends along the mouth end and includes first and second opposing reclosable elements. The first and second reclosable elements are releasably engageable to each other. The barrier partition comprises at least a first layer that is substantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The barrier partition extends substantially across the pair of opposing wall panels in the receptacle space.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to reclosable packageswith barrier properties. More particularly, the present inventionrelates to the use of particular materials as partitions that aresubstantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbondioxide.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Reclosable packages or bags are very common, especially in thefood industry. Such packages are typically made to be reclosable via theuse of a reclosable element or fastener such as a resealable adhesiveseal or a reclosable zipper. Such zippers may be opened and closedeither by pressure or by the use of an auxiliary slider mechanism.

[0003] Reclosable packages are a great convenience to consumers,especially for products such as luncheon meats and cheeses where,typically, only a portion of the product is used at any given time. Oneproblem with these reclosable packages, however, is that the packagesare not substantially impermeable to various gases such as oxygennitrogen and carbon dioxide. These gases may enter into the packagesfrom the external atmosphere causing food spoilage.

[0004] One attempt to address this problem has involved encapsulatingthe reclosable feature by extending the wall panels of the package. Onedisadvantage of this type of package is that the extended wall panelsmay interfere with the operation of opening and closing the package,resulting in customer dissatisfaction. Another disadvantage includeshigher product costs involved with using additional resins for extendingthe wall panels. This type of package also involves an additional stepfor the customer of removing a tear strip or manually cutting the wallpanels to gain access to the package.

[0005] A need therefore exists for packages or bags being substantiallyimpermeable to gases such as oxygen, nitrogen and carbon without havingthe above-noted disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, areclosable package includes a pair of opposing walls, a reclosable sealand a barrier partition. The pair of opposing wall panels are joinedalong a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridges the opposing sidesto create a receptacle space having a mouth end opposite the bottom. Thereclosable seal extends along the mouth end and includes first andsecond opposing reclosable elements. The first and second reclosableelements are releasably engageable to each other. The barrier partitioncomprises at least a first layer that is substantially impermeable to atleast one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The barrier partitionextends substantially across the pair of opposing wall panels in thereceptacle space.

[0007] According to another embodiment, a reclosable package includes apair of opposing walls, a reclosable seal and a barrier partition. Thereclosable seal extends along the mouth end and includes first andsecond opposing tracks. The first and second tracks include respectivefirst and second profiles. The first and second opposing tracks arereleasably engageable to each other. The first and second tracks areconnected to the respective opposing wall panels. The first and secondprofiles include at least a first layer that is substantiallyimpermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Thebarrier means are proximate to upper edges of the respective first andsecond profiles. The barrier means are substantially impermeable to atleast one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a reclosable package includes abarrier partition comprising at least a first layer that includes amaterial selected from the group consisting of vinyl alcohol, polyvinylalcohol, nylon, polyester, ethylene vinyl dichloride, liquid crystalpolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, modifiedpolyolefins with barrier properties, polyacrylonitrile, acrylonitrilescopolymers, polyacetal, cellophane or combinations thereof.

[0009] According to a further embodiment, a fastener of the presentinvention includes first and second opposing elements, a first finportion and a second fin portion. The first and second opposingreclosable elements are releasably engageable to each other. The firstfin portion extends downward from the first reclosable element. Thefirst fin portion comprises at least a first layer that is substantiallyimpermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Thesecond fin portion extends downward from the second reclosable element.The second fin portion comprises at least a first layer that issubstantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbondioxide. The second fin portion and the first fin portion are joined toeach other.

[0010] According to a yet another embodiment, a fastener of the presentinvention includes first and second opposing tracks that are releasablyengageable to each other. The first and second opposing tracks have afirst and second profile, respectively. The first and second profilescomprise at least a first layer that is substantially impermeable to atleast one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

[0011] According to one process of the present invention, a coating isapplied to a reclosable bag. The provided reclosable bag comprises apair of opposing wall panels joined along a pair of opposing sides and abottom bridging the opposing sides to create a receptacle space having amouth end opposite the bottom. A reclosable seal extends along the mouthend and includes first and second opposing tracks. The first and secondtracks include respective first and second profiles. The first andsecond opposing tracks are releasably engageable to each other. Thefirst and second tracks are connected to the respective opposing wallpanels. The process also includes applying a coating to at least aportion of the first and second tracks. The coating includes at least afirst layer that is substantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen,nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Other objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent upon reading the following detailed description and uponreference to the drawings.

[0013]FIG. 1 is a section view of a mouth portion of a reclosablepackage or bag having fin portions joined below a fastener according toone embodiment of the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reclosable packageincorporating the mouth portion depicted in FIG. 1 in which a reclosablezipper has a slider mechanism being opened and the fin portions beingpartially opened;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a section view of a mouth portion of a reclosableportion having fin portions comprising two layers according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a section view of a mouth portion of a reclosableportion having fin portions comprising three layers according to afurther embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a section view of a mouth portion of a reclosableportion having fin portions comprising four layers according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 6 is a section view of a mouth portion of a reclosableportion having fin portions comprising five layers according to yetanother embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 7 is a section view of a mouth portion of a reclosablepackage having a barrier partition formed-by integral extensions ofopposing wall panels located below a fastener;

[0020]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a reclosable package according toone embodiment of the present invention showing the package in sealedform having upstanding fins in the process of being broken;

[0021]FIG. 9 is an enlarged section view taken generally along line 9-9of FIG. 8;

[0022]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the reclosable bag, showing thebag in partially opened form after the upstanding fins have beencompletely broken;

[0023]FIG. 11 is an enlarged section view of zipper profiles andupstanding fins comprising two layers according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0024]FIG. 12 is an enlarged section view of zipper profiles andupstanding fins comprising three layers according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0025]FIG. 13 is an enlarged section view employing a continuous bead ofadhesive to connect the zipper profiles:

[0026]FIG. 14 is an enlarged section view similar to that of FIG. 13 butintegrally forming the zipper profiles to connect them to each other:

[0027]FIG. 15 is a section view of the zipper profiles as extruded witheach other end-to-end to achieve the integral connection shown in FIG.14.

[0028] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by wayof example in the drawing and will herein be described in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit theinvention to the particular forms disclosed but, on the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a mouth portion of areclosable package or bag 10 having a barrier partition 12 located belowa fastener or zipper 14. The barrier partition 12 of FIG. 1 is alsotamper-evident. FIG. 2 shows the reclosable package 10 opening the mouthportion depicted in FIG. 1.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the mouth portion of the reclosablepackage 10 includes a pair of opposing wall panels 16 and 18 that makeup a package body 20 and define a receptacle space 22. Connected to thewall panel 16 is a first track 24 having a first profile 26 and a firstfin portion 28 extending downward from the first profile 26. Connectedto the other wall panel 18 is a second track 30 having a second profile32 and a second fin portion 34 extending downward from the secondprofile 32. The first and second profiles 26 and 32 are releasablyengageable with each other to provide a reclosable seal to the package10.

[0031] The barrier partition 12 comprises at least a first layer that issubstantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbondioxide. As shown in FIG. 1, the barrier partition 12 extends across thepair of opposing wall panels 16 and 18 in the receptacle space 22. Thebarrier partitions of the present invention are preferably substantiallyimpermeable to oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide.

[0032] The first layer of the barrier partition 12 may comprise ethylenevinyl alcohols (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohols (PVOH) nylons, polyesters,ethylene vinyl dichlorides 2′ (EVDC), liquid crystal polymers (LCPs),polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), modifiedpolyolefins with barrier properties, polyacrylonitriles, acrylonitrilecopolymers polyacetals, cellophanes or combinations thereof. The firstlayer of the barrier partition 12 is preferably made of an EVOH. PVDCnylon or polyester. Preferred nylons include nylon-6, nylon-66,nylon-MXD6 and amorphous nylons. Preferred polyesters includepolyethylene terephthlate (PET) and polybutylene terephthlate (PBT). Itis preferred that water soluble materials, such as PVOH, do not comprisethe first layer if the barrier partition is made of only the first layerbecause those materials may dissolve in a moisture environment or losestrength and/or barrier characteristics.

[0033] The first layer generally has an oxygen transmission rate (OTR)less than 100 cm³ (mil)/100 in² (d) (atm) at 23° C. as measured by ASTMD3985-81. The first layer preferably has an oxygen transmission rateless than 20 cm³ (mil)/100 in² (d) (atm) at 23° C. and, more preferably,less than 10 cm³ (mil)/100 in² (d) (atm) at 23° C. as measured by ASTMD3985-81.

[0034] The first layer of the barrier partition 12 may also besubstantially impermeable to water vapor and other gases causingdehydration, increased humidification and/or oxidation. The first layerof the barrier partition 12 preferably assists in inhibiting loss offlavor, absorption of external odors and development of microflora(bacteria) in the food products of the package 10.

[0035] It is contemplated that oxygen absorbers/scavengers may beincluded in the formation of the first layer of the barrier partition12. Oxygen absorbers or scavengers are generally chemical or enzymebased. Chemical oxygen scavengers contemplated in the present inventioninclude metallic reducing agents such as various ferrous compounds,powdered iron oxide and metallic platinum. Other chemical oxygenscavengers include non-metallic formulations such as those employingascorbic acids (Vitamin C) and their associated salts andorgano-metallic molecules that have a natural affinity for oxygen.

[0036] It is contemplated that additional materials may be added informing the barrier partition 12. These materials include variousfillers, such as clay, talc, mica and nanocomposites that may be morecost effective. These fillers may provide a tortuous path for oxygen,nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

[0037] Similarly, the opposing wall panels 16 and 18 are also made of atleast one layer that is substantially impermeable to at least one ofoxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide and, preferably, substantiallyimpermeable to all of the above. The first layer of the opposing wallpanels 16 and 18 may be made of similar material as described above informing the first layer of the barrier partition 12. The opposing wallpanels 16 and 18 may be made from multiple layers. The first layer ofthe opposing wall panels 16 and 18 may be located on the inside layer oras an interior layer.

[0038] One example of an opposing wall panel 16 or 18 is a three layerstructure with the first layer comprising polyester and being located asan outside layer of the wall panels, a second layer comprisingpolyolefin that is located on the interior, and a third layer being atie layer located between the first and second layers. The tie layer maybe made from, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) or a modifiedEVA. The first layer of the opposing wall panels 16 and 18 may be madeof nylon. Polyolefins that are typically used in forming the secondlayer of the opposing wall panels 16 and 18 include polyethylenes andpolypropylenes.

[0039] It is contemplated that various other layered structures may formthe opposing wall panels 16 and 18. For example, the opposing wallpanels 16 and 18 may have a layer of EVA and a layer of polyester.Alternatively, the opposing wall panels 16 and 18 may have an EVA layerand a layer of nylon. The layers of each of the opposing wall panels maybe joined by coextrusion, extrusion lamination or adhesive lamination.It is also contemplated that pigments, metallic components, paper,and/or paper/polymeric compositions may be incorporated into layer(s)forming the opposing wall panels 16 and 18 of the present invention.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the lower edges of thefirst and second fin portions 28 and 34 are joined to each other alongan optional one-time breakable preferential area of weakness orpreferential tear area 38 to form a one-time breakable tamper evidentfeature. The optional preferential area of weakness 38 is substantiallyimpermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide and,preferably, substantially impermeable to all of the above. It is notnecessary that the first and second fin portions 28 and 34 have aone-time breakable preferential area of weakness 38. For example, thefirst and second fin portions 28 and 34 may be made in a manner suchthat the fin portions 28 and 34 are separated by cutting the finportions apart. The preferential area of weakness 38 inhibits tamperingwith the bag 10 prior to being opened. The joined first and second finportions 28 and 34 have a generally U-shaped or V-shaped cross-sectionalconfiguration.

[0041] To join the first and second fin portions 28 and 34, the firstand second fin portions 28 and 34 may be extruded as a single continuousfin having the preferential area of weakness 38. In one embodiment, thepreferential area of weakness 38 takes the form of a score line or athinned line. A score line may be created by making a uniform crease atthe intersection of the fin portions 28 and 34. Alternatively, a scoreline may be formed on any portion(s) of the fin portions 28 and 34. Athinned line is created by extruding the fin portions 28 and 34 withless plastic material along the region joining the lower edges of thefin portions 28 and 34. In another embodiment, the preferential area ofweakness 38 results from forming the single continuous fin out of aregion of highly oriented plastic that has a tendency to split along thepreferential area of weakness 38.

[0042] Instead of extruding the first and second fin portions 28 and 34as a single continuous fin, the fin portions 28 and 34 may be separatelyextruded and then later weakly attached at their lower edges or someother location by heat sealing, welding, or the like. The weakattachment of the first and second fin portions 28 and 34 creates thepreferential area of weakness 38.

[0043] The thicknesses of the first and second fin portions 28 and 34may vary from generally about 2 to about 10 mil. The thicknesses of thefirst and second fin portions 28 and 34 are typically from about 6 toabout 8 mil.

[0044] The reclosable package 10 may further include an optionalauxiliary slider mechanism 36 (FIG. 2) slidably mounted to the zipper 14for movement between a closed position and an open position. The firstand second profiles 26 and 32 are engaged to each other while the slidermechanism 36 is in the closed position, and movement of the slidermechanism 36 from the closed position to the open position disengagesthe profiles 26 and 32 from each other. The package 10 of FIG. 2 alsoincludes end termination clamps 37. The end clamps 37 perform the dualfunction of stops for the ends of the zipper 14 to prevent the slider 36from going past the zipper 14 and, in addition, the end clamps 37 holdthe first and second profiles 26 and 32 together to resist stressesapplied to the profiles during normal use of the package 10. Thecomposition and manner of operation of this zipper, slider arrangementand end clamps is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,208 toHerrington, Jr. et. al., which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in order to open the reclosable package10 of the present invention, a consumer grips the slider mechanism 36and moves it such that the first and second profiles 26 and 32 of therespective first and second tracks 24 and 30 are detached from eachother. Next, the consumer tears open the barrier partition 12 along thepreferential area of weakness 38. Alternatively, the consumer may openthe barrier partition 12 by cutting the first and second fin portions 28and 34. The package can be resealed utilizing the zipper 14 and slidermechanism 36. Specifically, the consumer grips the slider mechanism 36and moves it from the open position to the closed position so as toengage the complementary first and second profiles 26 and 32.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 3-6, barrier partitions of the presentinvention may be formed of multiple layers. As shown in FIG. 3, abarrier partition 40 comprises a first fin portion 42 and a second finportion 44. Each of the fin portions 42 and 44 comprises a first layer46 and a second layer 48. The first layer 46 may comprise the samematerials as described above in making the first layer of the barrierpartition 12. The first layers of the first and second fin portions maybe made of different materials.

[0047] The second layer 48 may be connected to the opposing wall panels16 and 18 as shown in FIG. 3. The second layer 48 is a tie layer and maybe made from various materials such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA),anhydride modified polyolefins, anhydride modified ethylene-acrylates,anhydride modified EVAs, acid modified EVAs, acid modifiedethylene-acrylates, amorphous polyolefin-modified EVA polymers orcombinations thereof. Some examples of anhydride modified polyolefinsinclude anhydride modified high density polyethylene (HDPE), anhydridemodified low density polyethylene (LDPE) and anhydride linear lowdensity polyethylene (LLDPE). The second layers of the fin portions maybe made of different materials.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, a barrier partition 50 is similar to thebarrier partition 40 of FIG. 3 except that it further includes a thirdlayer 51 in both of the first and second fin portions 52 and 54. Thethird layer 51 of FIG. 4 is a tie layer and may be made of similarmaterials as described above with respect to the second layer 48. Thethird layer 51 is located on the interior of the barrier partition 50,such that the first layer 46 is located between the second layer 48 andthe third layer 51.

[0049] Other barrier partitions having three layers are contemplated.For example, a barrier partition (not shown) may include a first layerhaving the same materials as described above in making the first layerof the barrier partition 12, a tie layer and a third layer made ofpolyolefin(s), such as an LDPE, an HDPE, an LLDPE or a combinationthereof. In this embodiment, the first layer would be preferably locatedon the interior of the barrier partition with the tie layer beinglocated between the first and third layers.

[0050] The barrier partitions of the present invention may include fourlayer and five layer fin portions such as shown in barrier partition 60(see FIG. 5) and in barrier partition 70 (see FIG. 6). Referring firstto FIG. 5, the barrier partition 60 further includes a fourth layer 61in both of the first and second fin portions 62 and 64. The fourth layer61 of FIG. 5 may be made of polyolefin(s), such as an LDPE, an HDPE, anLLDPE or a combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 5, the fourth layer 61is located on the interior of the barrier partition 60 and is adjacentto the third layer 51.

[0051] Other four layered fin portions are contemplated in the presentinvention. For example, a four layer structure (not shown) may includetwo first layers substantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen,nitrogen and carbon dioxide, a tie layer and a polyolefinic layer. Thetwo first layers may be made with materials that are independentlyselected from each other, such as described above in the first layer ofthe barrier partition 12. In this embodiment, the polyolefinic layer maybe located as an exterior layer with the tie layer located adjacent tothe polyolefinic layer. The remaining layers are located adjacent toeach other with one of the layers being located on an interior layer ofthe barrier partition.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 6, a barrier partition 70 further includes afifth layer 71 in both of its first and second fin portions 72 and 74.The fifth layer 71 of FIG. 6 may be made of the same materials(polyolefins) as described above with respect to the fourth layer 61.

[0053] It is also contemplated that additional layers may be added informing the first and second fin portions of the present invention. Forexample, six or seven or more layered first and second fin portions arecontemplated in the present invention.

[0054] In one preferred three layer fin portion, the first layer 46 isEVOH, the second layer 48 is a tie layer and the third layer 51 is a tielayer. In another preferred three layer fin portion, the first layer 46is nylon, the second layer 48 is a tie layer and the third layer 51 is atie layer. In one preferred four layer fin portion, the first layer 46is EVOH, the second layer 48 is a tie layer, the third layer 51 is a tielayer and the fourth layer 61 is LDPE. In another preferred four layerfin portion, the first layer 46 is nylon, the second layer 48 is a tielayer, the third layer 51 is a tie layer and the fourth layer 61 isLDPE.

[0055] In one preferred five layer fin portion, the first layer 46 isEVOH, the second layer 48 is a tie layer, the third layer 51 is a tielayer, and the fourth and fifth layers 61 and 71, respectively, areindependently selected polyolefins, such as LDPE, HDPE or LLDPE. Inanother preferred five layer fin portion, the first layer 46 is nylon,the second layer 48 is a tie layer, the third layer 51 is a tie layer,and the fourth and fifth layers 61 and 71, respectively, areindependently selected polyolefins, such as LDPE, HDPE or LLDPE.

[0056] The first and second fin portions, such as shown in FIGS. 3-6,may be formed by coextruding the multiple layers that form each finportion. The first and second fin portions may also be formed by otherprocesses such as coating or laminating.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, a mouth-portion90 includes wall panel portions 92 and 94, first and second tracks 96and 98, and first and second profiles 100 and 102. The first and secondtracks 96 and 98 are coextruded with the respective wall panels 92 and94. The mouth portion also includes a barrier partition 104 that isformed by integral extensions of the wall panel portions 92 and 94.Alternatively, a barrier partition may be formed by an integralextension of only one of the wall panel portions 92 and 94 (not shown).The barrier partition 104 of FIG. 7 is also tamper resistant. Thebarrier portion 104 may include an optional one-time breakablepreferential area of weakness 106, such as shown in FIG. 7.

[0058] By being substantially impermeable to at least oxygen, nitrogenand/or carbon dioxide, the barrier partitions of the present inventionassist in preserving the freshness of the food contents of the packageprior to its initial opening. Since the fastener is located above thebarrier partitions, the operation of the fastener is not hampered by thepresence of a barrier partition. The barrier partition of the presentinvention also provides a consumer with the assurance that the newlypurchased package has not been opened.

[0059] The optional slider mechanism 36 is optimally made frompolypropylenes, copolymers of polyethylene and polypropylene,polycarbonates or polyesters. Especially preferred components for makingthe slider mechanism 36 are polypropylenes, polycarbonates orpolyesters.

[0060] The components of the fastener such as the tracks havingintegrally formed interlocking profiles and fin portions may be attachedto the wall panels of the package by processes such as heat sealing,welding or blocking. The process utilized depends upon the materialsfrom which the bag and the fastener are made. Specifically, heat sealingis a process whereby materials are fused or melted together. Welding isa process where an intermediate third material is utilized to “glue”similar materials to each other. Blocking is a process where at leastsufficient pressure and optional temperature increases result inintimate surface contact adhesion of layers without sealing.

[0061] Alternatively, an adhesive seal may be utilized as a fastener orreclosable element of the present invention. Such seals employ aresealable adhesive-type substance that is applied to either one or bothof the films making up the package. The adhesive may alternatively beapplied to an intermediary base strip. It is contemplated that otherfasteners, besides adhesive seals and zippers, may be used in thepresent invention.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 8-10, a reclosable package or bag 110 is shownaccording to another embodiment of the present invention. The reclosablepackage 110 includes a fastener or zipper 114 extending along a mouthformed opposite of a sealed bottom. The package 110 comprises first andsecond opposing panels 116 and 118 that make up a package body 120 anddefine a receptacle space 122. Connected to the wall panel 116 is afirst track 124 having a first profile 126 and a first fin portion 128extending downward from the first profile 126. Connected to the otherwall panel 118 is a second track 130 having a second profile 132 and asecond fin portion 134 extending downward from the second profile 132.The first and second profiles 126 and 132 are releasably engageable witheach other to provide a reclosable seal to the package 110.

[0063] Referring still to FIGS. 8-10, the package 110 further has anoptional auxiliary slider mechanism 136 and end clamps 137 that functionas described above in the slider mechanism 36 and the end clamps 37 ofFIGS. 1 and 2.

[0064] To inhibit tampering with the contents of the package 110 priorto being initially opened, the slider 136 is initially parked in theclosed position at one end of the zipper 114 as depicted in FIG. 8.Moreover, upper edges of the first and second profiles 126 and 132 aredetachably connected to each other, except at one end of the zipper 114supporting the parked slider 136, such that the slider 136 cannot bemoved from the closed position until the barrier feature is broken.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the package 110 is provided with firstand second upstanding fins or flanges 139 and 141 that extend upwardfrom the respective first and second profiles 126 and 132. The first andsecond upstanding fins 139 and 141 are detachably connected to theirrespective first and second profiles 126 and 132 along a preferentialarea of weakness 143 and are fused to each other so as to effectivelyconnect the upper edges of the first and second profiles 126 and 132.

[0066] The preferential area of weakness 143 may be in the form of ascored line, a thinned line or highly orientated material. The first andsecond upstanding fins 139 and 141 extend substantially across the bagmouth, with the exception that the fins 139 and 141 do not occupy theend portion of the zipper 114 supporting the slider 136 while the slider136 is in the closed position. If a slider is not used, the first and Issecond upstanding fins 139 and 141 may extend across the entire bagmouth. Alternatively, the first and second upstanding fins 139 and 141may be removed by cutting the upstanding fins from a remainder of thepackage 110.

[0067] The slider 136 is retained in the closed position by the ends ofthe first and second upstanding fins 139 and 141, thereby preventingaccess via the bag mouth to the interior of the package 110. The slider136 cannot be moved from the closed position until the first and secondupstanding fins 139 and 141 are detached from the first and secondprofiles 126 and 132 along the preferential area of weakness 143. Toremove the first and second upstanding fins 139 and 141, a consumerfirst grasps the upstanding fins at one end of the bag mouth as shown inFIG. 8 and then pulls the upstanding fins in an upward direction awayfrom the zipper 114. The pulling force causes the package 110 to tearalong the preferential area of weakness 143. Once the first and secondupstanding fins 139 and 141 are removed, the connection of the upperedges of the first and second profiles 126 and 132 is broken (becausethe first and second profiles 126 and 132 are not connected below thepreferential area of weakness 143). This allows the slider 136 to bemoved to the open position to gain access to the interior of the package110. FIG. 10 depicts the slider 136 in the process of being moved towardthe open position.

[0068] The first and second upstanding fins 139 and 141 include a firstlayer that is substantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen,nitrogen and carbon dioxide and, preferably, to oxygen, nitrogen andcarbon dioxide. The first and second upstanding fins 139 and 141 mayalso be formed of multiple layers as discussed above with respect to thefin portions 28 and 34. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first andsecond upstanding fins 139 and 141 include two layers. The first layers139 a and 141 a may comprise a material that is independently selectedfrom the materials made in forming the first layer of the barrierpartition 12 described above. Layers 139 b and 141 b may be made ofindependently selected tie layers as described above, for example, informing the second layer 48 depicted in FIG. 4.

[0069] Another embodiment of the first and second upstanding fins 139and 141 is depicted in FIG. 12. Each of the first and second upstandingfins 139 and 141 of FIG. 12 has three layers. Layers 139 a, 139 b, 141 aand 141 b are the same as described above in FIG. 11. Layers 139 c and141 c comprise independently selected polyolefins, including thepolyolefins described above in forming the fourth layer 61 depicted inFIG. 5.

[0070] Prior to being removed, the first and second upstanding fins 139and 141 also restrict access to the contents of the package 110. If aconsumer purchases a prepackaged package 110 with the upstanding fins139 and 141 intact, it is not likely that the contents of the package110 have been tampered with because the slider 136 cannot be moved andthe bag mouth cannot be opened without first tearing off the upstandingfins 139 and 141. If, on the other hand, the consumer purchases apackage 110 with part or all of the fins 139 and 141 detached from thezipper 114 along the preferential area of weakness 143, then it is morelikely that the contents of the package 110 have been tampered with.Thus, the upstanding fins 139 and 141 also provide an effectivetamper-evident feature for the package 110.

[0071] The first and second profiles 126 and 132, as shown, for example,in FIGS. 11 and 12 may have multiple layers. In FIG. 11, the first andsecond profiles 126 and 132 have respective layers 126 a and 132 acomprised of a material that is independently selected from thematerials made in forming the first layer of the barrier partition 12described above. Layers 126 b and 132 b of the first and second profiles126 and 132, respectively, may be made of independently selected tielayers as described above, for example, in forming the second layer 48depicted in FIG. 4. In FIG. 12, layers 126 c and 132 c of the first andsecond profiles 126 and 132, respectively, comprise independentlyselected polyolefins, including the polyolefins described above informing the fourth layer 61 depicted in FIG. 5.

[0072] The first and second profiles 126 and 132 may be coated orlaminated with a material that is substantially impermeable to at leastone of oxygen, nitrogen or carbon dioxide. This coating or laminationmay comprise the materials described above in forming the first layer ofthe barrier partition 12.

[0073] It is contemplated that additional materials may be added informing the first and second profiles 126 and 132. These materialsinclude various fillers, such as clay, talc, mica and nanocompositeswhich may be more cost effective. These fillers may provide a tortuouspath for oxygen, nitrogen or carbon dioxide. These materials may beblended with other materials in the formation of the first andsecond-profiles 126 and 132. These materials may be added in asufficient amount so that the first and second profiles 126 and 132 aresubstantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen or carbondioxide.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 13-15, reclosable packages 155 and 165,respectively, employ a barrier feature in accordance with the presentinvention. Elements of the reclosable packages 155 and 165 in FIGS. 13and 14, respectively, correspond to elements of the package 110 in FIG.8 and are designated by the same reference numerals. The reclosablepackages 155 and 165 are similar to the package 110 with the exceptionthat the upper edges of the first and second profiles 126 and 132 aredirectly connected to each other along a line of connection without theuse of the upstanding fins 139 and 141 of FIGS. 8-10.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 13-15, barrier features proximate to the upperedges of profiles may be accomplished in several ways. In FIG. 13, acontinuous bead of adhesive 157 is applied across the upper edges of theprofiles 126 and 132. Alternatively, the upper edges of the profiles maybe continuously sealed to each other by thermal fusion. In anotherembodiment shown in FIG. 14, an upper edge of the first profile 126 isintegrally formed with an upper edge of the second profile 132. Toachieve this integral connection, the first and second profiles 126 and132 may be extruded as one piece as shown in FIG. 15 and then foldedinto an interlocking relationship.

[0076] The continuous bead of adhesive 157 (see FIG. 13) is comprised ofan adhesive that is substantially impermeable to at least oxygen,nitrogen or carbon dioxide. The continuous bead of adhesive 157preferably is substantially impermeable to oxygen, nitrogen and carbondioxide. The impermeability of the adhesive 157 increases when thecross-sectional thickness of the adhesive is increased. The continuousbead of adhesive 157 may be made from hot melt adhesives such as linearsaturated polyesters or polyimides, reactive thermosetting adhesives,polyester and polyurethane solutions, solvent and water based adhesives,thermosetting nitrile phenolics, and liquid crystal polymers.

[0077] Like the upstanding fins 139 and 141 in FIGS. 8-10, thecontinuous line of connection of the upper profile edges in FIGS. 13 and14 extends-substantially across the bag mouth. If a slider is used, theline of connection does not occupy the end portion of the zipper 114supporting the slider 136 while the slider 136 is in a closed position.The movement of the slider 136 from the closed position will break theline of connection formed by, for example, the continuous bead ofadhesive 157 of FIG. 13. The slider 136 includes a pointed separatorfinger (not shown) located between the first and second profiles 126 and132. As the slider 136 is moved from the closed position to the openposition, the separator finger of the slider 136 simultaneouslydisengages the first and second profiles 126 and 132 from each other andbreaks the line of connection along the upper edges of the profiles.

[0078] In addition to being a substantially impermeable barrier, theline of connection along the upper profile edges serves as an effectivetamper-evident feature because the line of connection restricts accessto the contents of the packages 155 and 165. If a consumer purchases aprepackaged package 155 or 165 with the line of connection intact. it isless likely that the contents of the package 155 or 165 have beentampered with.

[0079] The packages 155 and 165 of FIGS. 13 and 14, respectively, mayhave first and second fin portions 128 and 134 made by the samematerials as described above in forming the first and second finportions 26 and 34. The fin portions 128 and 134 may be formed frommulti-layers. The packages 155 and 165 of FIGS. 13 and 14, respectively,have first and second profiles 126 and 132 made of a first layersubstantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen or carbondioxide. The first and second profiles 126 and 132 may be formed frommulti-layers.

[0080] While the present invention has been described with reference toone or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art willrecognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodimentsand obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within thespirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reclosable package, comprising: a pair ofopposing wall panels joined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottombridging the opposing sides to create a receptacle space having a mouthend opposite the bottom; a reclosable seal extending along the mouth endand including first and second opposing reclosable elements, the firstand second reclosable elements being releasably engageable to eachother; and a barrier partition comprising at least a first layer that issubstantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbondioxide, the barrier partition extending substantially across the pairof opposing wall panels in the receptacle space.
 2. The reclosablepackage of claim 1, wherein the barrier partition is formed by first andsecond fin portions extending downward from the respective first andsecond reclosable elements and are joined to each other.
 3. Thereclosable package of claim 2, wherein the first and second fin portionsare joined to each other along a one-time breakable preferential area ofweakness to inhibit tampering with the package prior to being opened. 4.The reclosable package of claim 3, wherein the preferential area ofweakness is selected from the group consisting of a score line, athinned line and a highly oriented region.
 5. The reclosable package ofclaim
 2. wherein the first and second fin portions are joined to eachother along respective lower edges thereof.
 6. The reclosable package ofclaim 2, wherein the first and second fin portions are extruded witheach other so as to form a single continuous fin.
 7. The reclosablepackage of claim 2, wherein a combination of the first and second finportions has a generally U-shaped or V-shaped cross-sectionalconfiguration.
 8. The reclosable package of claim 1, wherein the barrierpartition is formed by at least one integral extension of at least oneopposing wall panel.
 9. The reclosable package of claim 8, wherein thebarrier partition is formed by integral extensions of the opposing wallpanels.
 10. The reclosable package of claim 1, wherein the first layerof the barrier partition comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinylalcohol, nylon, polyester, ethylene vinyl dichloride, liquid crystalpolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, modifiedpolyolefins with barrier properties, polyacrylonitrile, acrylonitrilescopolymers, polyacetal, cellophane or combinations thereof.
 11. Thereclosable package of claim 10, wherein the first layer of the barrierpartition comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol, nylon, polyvinylidenechloride or the combination thereof.
 12. The reclosable package of claim1, wherein the barrier partition includes an oxygen scavenger or anoxygen absorber.
 13. The reclosable package of claim 1, wherein thebarrier partition includes a filler.
 14. The reclosable package of claim13. wherein the filler is talc. clay, mica or a nanocomposite.
 15. Thereclosable package of claim 1, wherein the barrier partition furtherincludes a second layer, the second layer is a tie layer.
 16. Thereclosable package of claim 15, wherein the barrier partition furtherincludes a third layer, the third layer is a tie layer and the firstlayer is located between the second and the third layers.
 17. Thereclosable package of claim 15, wherein the barrier partition furtherincludes a third layer, the third layer comprises a polyolefin, thesecond layer is located between the first and the third layers.
 18. Thereclosable package of claim 15, wherein the barrier partition furtherincludes a third layer and a fourth layer, the third layer is a tielayer, the fourth layer comprises a polyolefin and is located adjacentto the third layer, the third layer is located between the fourth andfirst layers, and the first layer is located between the second andthird layers.
 19. The reclosable package of claim 18, wherein thebarrier partition further includes a fifth layer, the fifth layercomprises a polyolefin and is located adjacent to the second layer, thesecond layer is located between the fifth and first layers.
 20. Thereclosable package of claim 1, wherein the first layer is nylon,ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride or combinations thereof.21. The reclosable package of claim 17, wherein the first layer is nylonor ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinylidene chloride or combinationsthereof.
 22. The reclosable package of claim 1, wherein the firstreclosable element includes a first locking profile and the secondreclosable element includes a second locking profile, and furtherincluding a slider mechanism slidably mounted to the first and secondlocking profiles for movement between a closed position and an openposition, the first and second profiles being engaged to each otherwhile the slider mechanism is in the closed position, the first andsecond profiles being disengaged from each other in response to movementof the slider mechanism to the open position.
 23. A reclosable package,comprising: a pair of opposing wall panels joined along a pair ofopposing sides and a bottom bridging the opposing sides to create areceptacle space having a mouth end opposite the bottom; a reclosableseal extending along the mouth end and including first and secondopposing tracks, the first and second opposing tracks includingrespective first and second profiles, the first and second opposingtracks being releasably engageable to each other, the first and secondtracks being connected to one of the respective opposing wall panels,the first and second profiles including at least a first layer that issubstantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbondioxide; and barrier means being proximate to upper edges of therespective first and second profiles, the barrier means beingsubstantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbondioxide.
 24. The reclosable package of claim 23, wherein the barriermeans includes first and second upstanding fins extending upward fromthe respective first and second profiles, the first and secondupstanding fins are detachably connected to the first and secondprofiles and are attached to each other.
 25. The reclosable package ofclaim 24, wherein the first and second upstanding fins extendsubstantially across the mouth, and further including a slider mechanismslidably mounted to the first and second profiles for movement between aclosed position and an open position.
 26. The reclosable package ofclaim 23, wherein the barrier means is a continuous bead of adhesiveapplied across the upper edges of the respective first and secondprofiles.
 27. The reclosable package of claim 23, wherein the barriermeans includes an integral formation of the upper edges of therespective first and second profiles.
 28. The reclosable package ofclaim 23, wherein the barrier means includes a continuous thermal sealof the upper edges of the respective first and second profiles.
 29. Thereclosable package of claim 23 further including a slider mechanismslidably mounted to the first and second profiles for movement between aclosed position and an open position, the first and second profilesbeing engaged to each other while the slider mechanism is in the closedposition, the first and second profiles being disengaged from each otherin response to movement of the slider mechanism to the open position.30. The reclosable package of claim 29, wherein the slider mechanismincludes a separator finger disposed between the first and secondprofiles, the separator finger adapted to break a line of connectionformed between the upper edges of the respective first and secondprofiles in response to movement of the slider from the closed positionto the open position.
 31. The reclosable package of claim 23, whereinthe barrier means comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol,nylon, polyester, ethylene vinyl dichloride, liquid crystal polymer,polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, modified polyolefins withbarrier properties, polyacrylonitrile, acrylonitriles copolymerspolyacetal, cellophane or combinations thereof.
 32. The reclosablepackage of claim 31, wherein the barrier means comprises ethylene vinylalcohol, nylon, polyvinylidene chloride or combinations thereof.
 33. Thereclosable package of claim 23, wherein the barrier means furtherincludes a second layer, the second layer is a tie layer.
 34. Thereclosable package of claim 33, wherein the barrier means furtherincludes a third layer, the third layer is a tie layer and the firstlayer is located between the second and third layers.
 35. The reclosablepackage of claim 23, wherein the barrier means includes an oxygenscavenger or an oxygen absorber.
 36. The reclosable package of claim 23,wherein the barrier means includes a filler.
 37. The reclosable packageof claim 36, wherein the filler is talc, clay, mica or a nanocomposite.38. A reclosable package, comprising: a pair of opposing wall panelsjoined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the opposingsides to create a receptacle space having a mouth end opposite thebottom; a reclosable seal extending along the mouth end and includingfirst and second opposing reclosable elements the first and secondreclosable elements being releasably engageable to each other; and abarrier partition comprising at least a first layer that includes amaterial selected from the group consisting of vinyl alcohol, polyvinylalcohol, nylon, polyester, ethylene vinyl dichloride, liquid crystalpolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, modifiedpolyolefins with barrier properties, polyacrylonitrile, acrylonitrilescopolymers, polyacetals, cellophane or combinations thereof.
 39. Thereclosable package of claim 38, wherein the barrier partition is formedby first and second fin portions extending downward from the respectivefirst and second reclosable elements and are joined to each other. 40.The reclosable package of claim 39, wherein the first and second finportions are joined to each other along a one-time breakablepreferential area of weakness to inhibit tampering with the packageprior to being opened.
 41. The reclosable package of claim 40, whereinthe preferential area of weakness is selected from the group consistingof a score line, a thinned line and a highly oriented region.
 42. Thereclosable package of claim 38, wherein the barrier partition is formedby at least one integral extension of at least one opposing wall panel.43. The reclosable package of claim 38, wherein the first layer of thebarrier partition comprises ethylene vinyl alcohol, nylon,polyvinylidene chloride or combinations thereof.
 44. The reclosablepackage of claim 38, wherein the barrier partition further includes asecond layer, the second layer is a tie layer.
 45. The reclosablepackage of claim 44, wherein the barrier partition further includes athird layer, the third layer is a tie layer and the first layer islocated between the second and the third layers.
 46. The reclosablepackage of claim 44, wherein the barrier partition further includes athird layer. the third layer comprises a polyolefin the second layer islocated between the first and the third layers.
 47. The reclosablepackage of claim 38, wherein the barrier partition includes an oxygenscavenger or an oxygen absorber.
 48. The reclosable package of claim 38,wherein the barrier partition includes a filler.
 49. The reclosablepackage of claim 48, wherein the filler is talc, clay, mica or ananocomposite.
 50. A fastener to be used in a reclosable bag, thefastener comprising: first and second opposing reclosable elements, thefirst and second reclosable elements being releasably engageable to eachother; a first fin portion extending downward from the first reclosableelement, the first fin portion comprising at least a first layer that issubstantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbondioxide; and a second fin portion extending downward from the secondreclosable element, the second fin portion comprising at least a firstlayer that is substantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen,nitrogen and carbon dioxide, the second fin portion and the first finportion being joined to each other.
 51. The fastener of claim 50,wherein the first and second fin portions are joined to each other alonga one-time breakable preferential area of weakness to inhibit tamperingwith the package prior to being opened.
 52. The fastener of claim 51,wherein the preferential area of weakness is selected from the groupconsisting of a score line, a thinned line and a highly oriented region.53. The fastener of claim 50, wherein the first and second fin portionsare joined to each other along respective lower edges thereof.
 54. Thefastener of claim 50, wherein the first and second fin portions areextruded with each other so as to form a single continuous fin.
 55. Thefastener of claim 50, wherein a combination of the first and second finportions has a generally U-shaped or V-shaped cross-sectionalconfiguration.
 56. The fastener of claim 50, wherein the first layers ofthe first and second fin portions comprise material independentlyselected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinylalcohol, nylon, polyester, ethylene vinyl dichloride, liquid crystalpolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, modifiedpolyolefins with barrier properties, polyacrylonitrile, acrylonitrilescopolymers, polyacetal, cellophane and combinations thereof.
 57. Thefastener of claim 56, wherein the first layers of the first and secondfin portions comprise material independently selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene vinyl alcohol, nylon, polyvinylidene chloride andcombinations thereof.
 58. The fastener of claim 56, wherein each of thefirst and second fin portions further includes a second layer, thesecond layer is a tie layer.
 59. The fastener of claim 58, wherein eachof the first and second fin portions further includes a third layer, thethird layer is a tie layer and the first layer is located between thesecond and the third layers.
 60. The fastener of claim 58, wherein eachof the first and second fin portions further includes a third layer, thethird layer is made from a polyolefin, the second layer is locatedbetween the first layer and the third layer.
 61. The fastener of claim50, wherein at least one of the fin portions includes an oxygenscavenger or an oxygen absorber.
 62. The fastener of claim 50, whereinat least one of the fin portions includes a filler.
 63. The fastener ofclaim 62, wherein the filler is talc, clay, mica or a nanocomposite. 64.The fastener of claim 50, wherein the first and second fin portions havean oxygen transmission rate less than 100 cm³ (mil)/100 in² (d)(atm) at23° C. as measured by ASTM D3985-81.
 65. The fastener of claim 64,wherein the first and second fin portions have an oxygen transmissionrate less than 20 cm³ (mil)/100 in² (d)(atm) at 23° C. as measured byASTM D3985-81.
 66. The fastener of claim 65, wherein the first andsecond fin portions have an oxygen transmission rate less than 10 cm³(mil)/100 in² (d)(atm) at 23° C. as measured by ASTM D3985-81.
 67. Afastener to be used in a reclosable bag, the fastener comprising: afirst opposing track having a first profile, the first profilecomprising at least a first layer that is substantially impermeable toat least one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide; and a secondopposing track having a second profile, the second profile comprising atleast a first layer that is substantially impermeable to at least one ofoxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, the first and second opposingtracks being releasably engageable to each other.
 68. The fastener ofclaim 67, wherein the first layer of the first and second profilescomprise material independently selected from the group consisting ofethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl alcohol, nylon, polyester, ethylenevinyl dichloride, liquid crystal polymer, polyvinyl chloride,polyvinylidene chloride, modified polyolefins with barrier properties,polyacrylonitrile, acrylonitriles copolymers, polyacetal, cellophane andcombinations thereof.
 69. The fastener of claim 68, wherein the firstlayers of the first and second profiles comprise material independentlyselected from the group consisting of ethylene vinyl alcohol,polyvinylidene chloride, nylon and combinations thereof.
 70. Thefastener of claim 67, wherein each of the first and second profilesfurther includes a second layer, the second layer is a tie layer. 71.The fastener of claim 70, wherein each of the first and second profilesfurther includes a third layer, the third layer is a tie layer and thefirst layer is located between the second and the third layers.
 72. Thefastener of claim 67, wherein at least one of the first and secondprofiles includes an oxygen scavenger or an oxygen absorber.
 73. Thefastener of claim 67, wherein at least one of the first and secondprofiles includes a filler.
 74. The fastener of claim 73, wherein thefiller is talc, clay, mica or a nanocomposite.
 75. The fastener of claim67, wherein the first and second fin portions have an oxygentransmission rate less than 100 cm³ (mil)/100 in² (d)(atm) at 23° C. asmeasured by ASTM D3985-81.
 76. The fastener of claim 75, wherein thefirst and second fin portions have an oxygen transmission rate less than20 cm³ (mil)/100 in² (d)(atm) at 23° C. as measured by ASTM D3985-81.77. The fastener of claim 76, wherein the first and second fin portionshave an oxygen transmission rate less than 10 cm³ (mil)/100 in² (d)(atm)at 23° C. as measured by ASTM D3985-81.
 78. A process of applying acoating to a reclosable bag, the process comprising: providing areclosable bag, the reclosable bag comprising a pair of opposing wallpanels joined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging theopposing sides to create a receptacle space having a mouth end oppositethe bottom, a reclosable seal extending along the mouth end andincluding first and second opposing tracks, the first and second tracksincluding respective first and second profiles, the first and secondopposing tracks being releasably engageable to each other, the first andsecond tracks being connected to the respective opposing wall panels;and applying a coating to at least a portion of the first and secondtracks, the coating including at least a first layer that issubstantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbondioxide.
 79. The process of claim 78, wherein the first and secondtracks further include respective first and second fin portions and theapplying step includes applying the coating to at least a portion of thefirst and second profiles and the first and second fin portions.